They started by going on field trips to see Acadian historical sites in the area.

“In this particular project they had the opportunity to go explore and engage with their community,” said the show’s curator Kris Webster.

Gaudet’s own work was influential in the decision to combine painting and photography.

The show's curator Kris Webster. (Hope Perez photo)

“I am an artist with a strong connection to photography, so most of my work involves photography in one form or another,” says Gaudet.

Webster says, “Francois likes to work with children because it gives him energy and inspiration.”

The project gave students an opportunity to explore who they were individually and as a collective community.

“It went beyond just learning about an Acadian culture and heritage in their school setting through the curriculum. It was, what does it mean to be French in Truro. By that I mean, to see Acadian culture in Truro,” says Webster

Webster hopes to collaborate with other schools on similar projects and have a larger exhibition at Grand Pré. This show would showcase artwork from students in Truro and Clare, Nova Scotia, in combination with Gaudet’s own artwork.